Puppies are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make your house and yard safer for the arrival. These devices can not only be used for potty training but are also used as a safe haven for your new puppy. An Ex-pen (puppy playpen) will confine puppy to one area while potty training. Too much freedom before they are potty trained can lead to having accidents One of the most useful devices for raising a puppy, and perhaps one of the most misunderstood, is a fold-up wire crate. Properly used, this device can aid in housetraining puppies. It can also be used for your own puppy's safety, and to save your home from costly damages. Since the crate is portable, it can be easily taken along on trips. The crate should be ready when you bring home your new puppy and place it in your bedroom. You both will sleep so much better.

Make sure you pick up inside and outside your home prior to bringing home your new puppy. That goes for your yard too! Puppies love to chew, so any ELECTRIC CORDS that are easy access use a Cord protector. Pick up all small objects like hair scrunchies and blocks. Don’t leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive young animals can suffocate. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons, and socks. Because what goes in must come out, and often via surgery. Confine your puppy to a safe area inside and keep doors and windows closed. He should be supervised at all times. Keep puppy off balconies, upper porches, and high decks. These tools are helpful, a Baby/Pet gate, a Playpen and a Crate. Remove all potential hazards. The only bedding we recommend in the crate is the Vetbed. Regular dog beds or crate Mats inside the crate can be dangerous. Rugs also. A puppy will put just about anything and everything in their mouth. Once they are out of that puppy stage, then a bed can be used.

PUPPIES GROW QUICKLY - so collars can be quickly outgrown, leading to serious wounds. Personal items and medications like cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair “perm” solutions, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen can all be very lethal to pets.

CHOCOLATE - can be dangerous. It contains theobromine, a powerful stimulate that is very toxic to pets. Sweets, pies, cakes and cookies can also upset a young animals G.I. tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious.

BONES - can splinter and cause serious injury. Never give turkey or chicken bones as a treat.

HOUSEHOLD KILLERS - Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up and away from you Puppy.

ANTIFREEZE- Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of it. Store it up high and tightly sealed, wiping up any spills on the ground or garage floors. Don't forget window-washing solution also contains antifreeze.

HOUSEHOLD PLANTS - See other Related Blog Post for a list.

KEEP OFF THE GRASS - If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully. A better alternative is a natural & safe protect, Wondercide.

HEAT - Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and space heaters. Puppies grow quickly and will soon be able to jump to new heights. Keep covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Puppies and even adult dogs can fall in and not be able to get out.

'TIS THE SEASON - Keep holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and especially Christmas tinsel, ribbons and bows out of reach. I recommend not using glass Christmas tree ornaments until your puppy matures. If you have a fireplace/wood stove always use a fireplace screen/Baby Gate.

SUMMER HEAT - Never, ever leave your pet in a parked car. Not even if you crack all the windows or park in the shade. On a 70F day, the car temperature can easily rise above 150F in just minutes. It’s extremely dangerous and is the number 1 cause of heatstroke.

 Always provide plenty of fresh water- Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from wet surfaces or their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.

Watch for hot pavements and beaches- Sensitive paws burn easily.

Find a cool spot - For indoors pets, keep the air circulating with a child-proof fan or with the air conditioner. Provide shade for outdoor pets. And a gentle sprinkler from a hose is always appreciated.

When introduced to the water for the first time they should be eased in slowly, never thrown or chased in. Don’t let them drink from pools, lakes, rivers, streams or the ocean. Always rinse them off with clean water afterwards. Salt and minerals can damage a dog’s coat. Shorthaired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are especially susceptible to sunburn and it will make them hurt. Limit their exposure.

Watch for signs of heatstroke – Rapid panting, twitching muscles, hot skin and a dazed look in their eyes. Wrap them in a towel soaked with cool, not cold water. In severe cases, place them in the bathtub. Heatstroke can be fatal. See your vet as soon as possible.